Exchanging a life for a little over three thousand yuan, and then being eyed covetously by several ungrateful wretches—if the Old Man knew from the afterlife, he probably couldn't keep the coffin lid down, right?
At dinner, Li Xiangqin looked at the sons and daughters-in-law gathered around, her disdain completely unconcealed.
She had thought that after being beaten and scolded by her, these people would have scattered like frightened ducks. She hadn't expected them to come back with their heads drooping right around mealtime.
As expected, besides thick skin, the attraction of money was greater.
Dinner was a pot of Cabbage stewed with Tofu, and a Basket of steamed buns made from two-thirds flour.
Li Xiangqin broke off half a Steamed Bun, glanced at the submissive people, and snorted,
“When it comes to thick skin, none of you can compare. What? You’ve gotten addicted to being waited on, all of you want to be young masters and madams who have everything handed to them? You disappear when it’s time to cook, but you’re the first ones here when it’s time to eat.”
The group fell silent, collectively lowering their heads.
After being scolded repeatedly, what was wrong with them going out for some fresh air?
The Eldest Child pushed up his glasses, forcing a smile, “Mom~, don’t be angry during dinner; it affects digestion.”
“Grandmother, I want an Egg.”
Before she could retort, her Eldest Grandson tugged her sleeve, looking at her pleadingly.
Li Xiangqin looked down at her Eldest Grandson, whom she had raised to be plump, her expression complicated.
The Eldest Child and his Wife had managed to have a son and a daughter before the policy change; the Eldest Grandson, Zhang Leizi, was six, and the Granddaughter, Zhang Xiaxia, was five. The Daughter-in-law had planned well, so the two children didn't share the same zodiac animal.
In order to take care of the postpartum confinement and the grandchildren, she had taken long-term Sick Leave from the Factory.
The Eldest Daughter-in-law was a quality inspector at a pickle factory; her Job was easy, and she returned to work after her maternity leave, dumping the two children onto her.
Taking care of children wasn't just washing and scrubbing; it also involved Grocery shopping, cooking, and housework. She was busy from dawn till dusk, more tired than if she had a Job.
Worried that her grandson wasn't getting enough nutrition, she not only supplemented with Malted Milk Food but also gave him an Egg custard every day, something she had never stopped doing over the years.
Yet, this very grandson, whom she had painstakingly raised, disliked her old-person smell and wouldn't let her enter his room.
“Go ask your mother to boil you an Egg when you get home; I don't have any here.”
Zhang Leizi was utterly shocked, grabbing his Grandmother’s sleeve in disbelief, forgetting even how to cry.
Zhang Yanli glanced at her Mother-in-law, then lightly hit her son’s arm, “He’s just a child, why are you being so unreasonable? Eat your food properly.”
Well, Zhang Yanli’s little tap immediately stirred up a hornet’s nest; Zhang Leizi burst into tears, throwing his chopsticks down.
“Waa... I want an Egg, I want an Egg...”
Li Xiangqin glanced at her grandson throwing a tantrum. In the past, she would have immediately gone to prepare it without a second thought. But looking at him now, her heart felt no ripple of emotion.
Zhang Jianguo swallowed a piece of Tofu, put down his chopsticks, and adjusted his glasses,
“Leizi, stop making a fuss and eat properly. We were busy today; I’ll have your aunt boil one for you tomorrow.”
“I don’t want to! I want it now, waaah~”
“Shut up. If you’re not hungry, then get out.”
Li Xiangqin slammed her chopsticks down, looking at the Eldest Child and his Wife,
“Control your own child. Can’t you let a person eat in peace?”
The children were startled by the Old Woman, and Zhang Yanli snapped back to attention. She gave Zhang Jianguo an unhappy look, held her son’s arm, took a deep breath, and managed a Sheepish smile,
“Mom, he’s still young.”
“Xiaxia is younger than him, and she eats obediently. Why is he so spoiled?” Li Xiangqin looked directly at her Daughter-in-law, showing no courtesy.
Zhang Yanli lowered her head, kicking Zhang Jianguo hard under the table. How could a mere girl compare to her son?
“Mom~, it’s one thing to take your frustrations out on us because you’re upset, but why take it out on the child?”
Zhang Jianguo, having been kicked by his Wife, was also extremely irritated. He raised his hand to adjust his glasses, his face falling.
Li Xiangqin noticed the silent exchange between the Eldest Child and his Wife, and with a slap, she slammed the Steamed Bun onto the table,
“What? You’re already resentful of me? Am I taking my anger out on you, or are you just heartless and ungrateful? How did your father die? Are you blind or forgetful? Have you forgotten so quickly?
Even his death hasn't brought a shred of guilt from you. I feel it’s not worth it for your father. He clearly had his own Job and earned a Salary higher than any of you. Why did he still have to do hard labor? Didn't he know it was more comfortable to lie down?
Every single one of you—when you’re living well and eating richly, you never think of us two old people. But when money is needed, you all run away faster than the last. Our meager Salary was used to subsidize this one and then that one; your father’s back was bent from the strain.
Now he’s even given his life, and none of you feel sad? Your father’s death was a loss; he never enjoyed a single day of comfort, sacrificing his life to raise several ungrateful wretches. I truly don’t know what we raised you lot for?”
Damn it all, if they don't want their Old Mother to have a peaceful meal, then nobody eats.
Seeing his Grandmother so angry, Zhang Leizi shrank his neck in fear and stopped crying.
Li Xiangqin glared at them, bringing up the Old Man who had worked himself to death, her eyes turning red with anger, looking ready to erupt into a fight at any moment.
“I Know you are all thinking about your father’s Solatium, believing that since you are sons, you should all get a share. But that is money stained with blood, money earned with your father’s life. Can you truly spend it with a clear conscience?
I’m laying down the harsh truth today: I will not divide the Solatium. You should give up that idea immediately.”
These brats have become greedy for money, their minds clouded by Lard, but there are some things she must put on the table.
Being old has its advantages; she could choose to reason with them, or if she didn't want to, she could throw a fit and curse them out, and they couldn't do anything about it.
Indeed, having the Old Mother say it to their faces, they exchanged glances, their expressions sheepish yet unwilling to concede.
They did want to divide their Dad’s Solatium, but it had to be with their Mom’s consent and willingness. Otherwise, if this matter got out, they would lose all face.
Li Xiangqin looked at their shrinking necks, their evasive yet unwilling eyes, and still felt a surge of anger in her chest.
“Since we’re talking about it, let’s lay everything bare. Three of you are already married and established, especially the Eldest Child and Second Brother, who are fathers now. But the Fourth Child is still unmarried, and the Fifth and Lao Liu are still studying; there are plenty of expenses.
When your father died, besides this Solatium, all that was left was my pitiful Salary. Over the years, because I was taking care of the Eldest Child’s family, I took intermittent Sick Leave and missed several Technical Competitions.
Several of my old factory sisters have been promoted. Only I am still stuck in the same place. With only a year left until I retire, I plan to work hard and strive to improve my benefits by the time I retire.
I can still work now, and with the Solatium your father left, I don't need help from you older brothers for the time being. But when I get old and can no longer manage, you older brothers cannot Stand by and watch either.”